How to Install Cable Trunking: DIY Tips

How to Install Cable Trunking: DIY Tips

Untidy cables are more than just an eyesore. They can create a trip hazard and become damaged. Cable trunking is the solution. It protects cables and ensures a neat installation. This guide shows you how to install cable trunking professionally.

Planning: The First Step Towards a Neat Installation

Start with a detailed plan. Draw the desired cable route on the wall. Take door frames, radiators and sockets into account. Measure the required length of cable trunking. Always buy a little extra material. This gives you reserves for corners and cut-outs.

Choose the right type of trunking. Skirting trunking is unobtrusive. Surface-mounted wall trunking is easy to install. For outdoor areas, you need weather-resistant models. You can find suitable products in our workshop supplies category.

Precise planning saves trouble and material waste later on. A good plan is half the installation.

What Tools Do You Need?

The right tools make the job easier and more precise. You need a pencil and tape measure for marking out. A spirit level ensures straight lines. A hacksaw or sharp utility knife cuts the trunking to size.

For fixing, you need a drill with masonry bits. A screwdriver is used to fit the wall plugs and screws. A rubber mallet can help you snap the cover into place. High-quality power tools are a worthwhile investment.

Choosing Materials: Trunking, Cables and Accessories

Choose trunking with a sufficient cross-section. The cables should not be squeezed. Think about possible extensions. Buy matching corner pieces, junctions and end caps. These components give the installation a finished look.

Always use cables with intact insulation. NYM-J cables are suitable for fixed installations. NYY-J cables are mandatory outdoors. Arrange the cables before inserting them. Use cable ties to create a neat bundle inside the trunking.

How Do You Measure and Cut Accurately?

Place the cable trunking where it is to be installed. Mark the required length with a fine line. For corner pieces, always measure the inner running length. Cut the trunking with a sharp saw. Work slowly and apply even pressure.

For sockets or switches, you need to cut out openings. Mark the exact area. Drill a starter hole and cut the opening with a jigsaw. The opening should be only slightly larger than the back box. This ensures everything fits neatly and securely.

Installation: Step by Step to a Secure Fixing

Hold the trunking against the marked line. Check the alignment with the spirit level. Mark the drilling points through the trunking's mounting holes. Drill the holes, insert the wall plugs and screw the base section firmly in place. Make sure there is an even distance between the screws.

For long runs, install the corner and connecting pieces first. Then fit the straight trunking sections between them. This helps you avoid dimensional deviations. For heavy cable bundles or outdoor applications, a closed cable protector such as the

Closed cable protector / tunnel

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The strength of the installation is often underestimated. Loose-fitting cable trunking not only looks untidy, it can also come away over time and expose the cables.

Inserting Cables and Closing the Trunking

Place the cables neatly and without force in the base section. Avoid sharp bends. Leave enough slack at junctions and connection points. Secure the cables every 50 cm inside the trunking with a cable tie. This prevents them from slipping.

Now fit the cover. Start at one end and snap it into place along the entire length. Proceed systematically. A second person can help with long lengths of trunking. The cover should snap into place evenly everywhere and sit flush.

Special Challenges: Corners, Doors and Outdoor Areas

Inside and outside corners require precise cutting. Cut the ends of the trunking at a 45-degree angle. Use pre-made corner angles for a perfect result. At doorways, install the trunking as high above the frame as possible or use flexible floor cable covers.

For garden irrigation or outdoor lighting, special outdoor cable trunking is essential. It is UV-resistant and waterproof. An open cable protector

Open cable protector

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Cable Protection in Gardens and on Paths

Laying cables across garden paths or driveways requires robust protection. Cable protector ramps are the ideal solution here. They distribute loads and protect against moisture and mechanical damage.

Lay the cable in a shallow, excavated trench. Place it loosely inside with a little slag. Position the protector ramp over it. Make sure it is flush with the path surface. Our is a closed, durable solution for this purpose.

For lifting heavy slabs or manhole elements, a

Professional slab lifter, for laying slabs, gripping range 330-620 mm, load capacity: 60 kg

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Finishing Work and Quality Control

Check the entire installation after assembly. Are all covers securely fitted? Are the cables free from kinks and crushing at every point? Do the connected devices work? Clean the cable trunking to remove dust and fingerprints.

For outdoor installations, check the seals on plugs and cable entries. Make a note of the cable route for future documentation. A neat installation will last for years and enhance your home. Discover more ideas in our Garden Equipment category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cable trunking are available?

You can choose between skirting trunking, which runs where the wall meets the floor, and surface-mounted trunking for straight sections of wall. Flexible cable trunking is suitable for uneven surfaces. For gardens or outdoor areas, you need special weather-resistant models with a high level of protection.

Can I run mains and data cables in the same trunking?

Yes, but you must prevent interference. If possible, run mains cables (230V) and low-voltage data cables (LAN, telephone) in separate compartments. Alternatively, keep a distance of at least 10 cm between them. Use shielded cables to minimise electromagnetic interference.

How can I attach cable trunking without drilling?

Use a special mounting adhesive for cable trunking. The surface must be completely clean, free from grease and suitable for mounting. Press the glued trunking firmly in place for several minutes. This solution is suitable for smooth tiles or painted walls, but is often less durable than screw mounting.

What do I need to consider when installing electrics in the garden?

Use only cable trunking or conduit approved for outdoor use and resistant to UV radiation and water. All sockets and switches must have an appropriate protection rating (at least IP44). Plan the installation in the Garden + Outdoor area so that the cables are protected from spade damage.

How do I run cables across a path or driveway?

Closed cable protector ramps are the safe solution here. Models such as our PRODUCT_23167 protect the cable from vehicles driving over it and from the weather. Dig a narrow trench, lay the cable loosely inside and place the protector ramp over it. The surface remains level and suitable for walking on.